Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos will return to this year’s X Factor as Louis Walsh reveals he had the idea to take her along to Judges’ Houses.

“I got to know her for two years on this show, she’s had a really tough time – I just thought I’d give her a ring,” says returning judge Louis Walsh, referring to Tulisa’s recent high-profile court case involving an alleged drug deal.

“I asked Simon, he said yes, everybody said ‘Yes, it’s a great idea’ and it was. We had a brilliant time, she’s looking great. She’s back, she’s got her mojo back. She’s a really good girl.”

While the show has yet to confirm the locations of the Judges’ Houses, it’s thought Walsh took Tulisa and his acts to Bermuda, where he set about choosing who he’ll take through the live shows.

Walsh is pretty happy to have been given the Groups saying, “I’ve got a very good category this year – so I’ve got to work very hard.”

While Tulisa hasn't been seen on the show since 2012, this is Walsh’s eleventh series, making him the only judge on the panel to have stuck out the whole show’s run.

“It’s great. The talent this year is amazing. It’s a different show. I think we’re having more fun. We have to find stars, that’s our job.”

Joining Walsh is new judge and former Spice Girl Mel B and returning favourites Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and head judge Simon Cowell.

Cheryl has openly discussed a “frosty” feeling on the panel with her former Girls Aloud manager, but Walsh says, “There’s very little we dislike [about each other]. We disagree on certain things musically and stuff, but we get on really, really well.”

Cheryl adds, “He’s been around a long, long time. I know him very well. No love lost.”

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